Strong blizzards and extreme cold temperatures can paralyze an entire region. Even the areas that usually experience mild winters can be struck by a blizzard or extreme cold. Impacts include flooding, storm surges, closed roads, blocked streets, downed power lines and hypothermia.
Protect yourself and protect your family from the many risks of winter by planning
How can I protect myself from winter storms and extreme cold?
What to do before winter storms and extreme cold
1. Learn the terms used by forecasts:
o Freezing rain – Rain that freezes when reaching ground, creating a layer of ice on the streets, sidewalks, trees and power lines.
o Sleet – Rain that turns into small balls of ice before hitting the ground. Sleet also causes the streets to freeze and get slippery.
o Blizzard watch – A blizzard in the area is possible.
o Blizzard warning – A blizzard is taking place or will take place soon in the area.
o Blizzard warning – Sustained winds or frequent gusts of 35 miles per hour or more and considerable snow that falls or blows (which reduces visibility to less than a quarter of a mile) are expected to prevail for a period of three hours or more.
o Frost warning – Subzero temperatures are expected.
2. Prepare to survive on your own for at least three days. Gather your disaster supply equipment. Make sure to include winter specific items, such as grain salt to melt ice in the sidewalks and roads, sand to enhance traction, snow shovels and other snow removal gear. Keep a food supply and additional drinking water.
3. Prepare for a possible isolation in your home:
o Have enough heating fuel, since regular fuel sources may be interrupted.
o Have emergency heating equipment and fuel (wood chimney, wood or gas stoves), in order to keep comfortable at least one room in your home. (Make sure that the room is well ventilated) If a thermostat controls the heating furnace and power is interrupted during a storm, you will need emergency heating.
o Kerosene heaters are another option for emergency heating. Store a good amount of dry wood for your chimney or wood stove.
o Keep a fire extinguisher handy and make sure your family knows how to use it.
o Never burn coal inside the house.
4. Prepare your home for winter to extend your fuel supply’s duration.
o Insulate walls and the attic.
o Cover the cracks and weather strips in the doors and windows.
o Install shutters or cover the windows with plastic.
5. Keep a supply of medication, water and food that doesn’t require cooking or refrigeration.
6. Be careful when shoveling snow. Excess effort may cause a stroke.
